Section outline

  • Zoom Link: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/aE5jLFAvSCS2u-AorQIM0A

    Intersection: Creative Aging Programs Serving Veterans

    One of the interesting aspects of Creative Aging work is the intersectionality of service to varied participants, each with their own set of needs and peer communities. This session will take place in the form of a panel discussion on the intersection of Creative Aging programs designed to serve older adult veterans. We will hear from Montana and Idaho colleagues who are leading this work and gain insights from their discussion. Ample time will be dedicated to questions.

     

    Veterans Program Summaries

    Holter Museum of Art

    Courage to Create is a veteran-serving art education program launched by the Holter Museum of Art.  The Holter's teaching artists work with veterans in a three-tiered program: one on one, weekly art exploration with patients navigating TBIs, cognitive decline and/or memory care at Ft. Harrison VA Medical Center; small group, weekly art workshops for patients in the Drug/Alcohol/Behavioral Rehabilitation Unit at Ft. Harrison; and weekly art workshops held at the Holter Museum of Art for veterans, their caregivers, and active duty military members. 

    Courage to Create is a year-long program that culminates in an annual art exhibition for participants. Throughout the year, teaching artists focus on various media, concepts, subject matter, and art-making skills in a series of workshops for veterans interested in connecting with peers, building a welcoming art community, and taking advantage of the rich resources available at the Holter in the arts community of Helena.

     

    Idaho Commission on the Arts + Idaho Division of Veterans Services

    The Idaho Commission on the Arts and Idaho Division of Veterans Services partnered to provide creative aging services for Idaho’s senior veterans. To accomplish this, both agencies, in consultation with Lifetime Arts, conducted a training initiative to prepare Idaho teaching artists to deliver sequential arts instruction to the residents of Idaho’s Veterans Homes. The initiative—funded by an EA Michelson Foundation Grant and awarded through the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA)—supported a total of four artist-led pilot projects in 2021-23. These pilot projects offered veterans opportunities to study drawing and painting, photography, printmaking and leather tooling. Two of those programs have continued, one in Boise under April Floyd’s direction, and another led by Larissa Dittman in Lewistown.

     

    Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square)

    The Square’s Veterans’ Art Program—the first of its kind in Montana—is a dedicated creative and supportive space for military veterans to explore healing, resilience, and self-expression through the arts. In partnership with the Great Falls Vet Center, the program meets every Wednesday for two hours and is led by a trained art instructor who introduces a new artistic medium each month, giving veterans the opportunity to explore a wide range of creative practices. Participants use art and reflection to explore identity, process experiences, and support personal growth. By offering regular classes, new artistic experiences, and a community of support, the program creates opportunities for veterans to connect with others, share their stories through visual media, and find healing through creativity at the museum. 

     

     

    Panelist Biographies

     

    Christina Barbachano | Helena, MT

    This is an image of Creative Aging Artist, Christina Barbachano. 

                                                                                           

    Christina Barbachano is an artist, educator, and the Executive Director of the Holter Museum of Art in Helena, MT.  After 22 years in public education, culminating in the last seven years as a School Superintendent, she transitioned back into the nonprofit world.  She loves helping people explore the world of art-making and creative problem-solving. In the last few years, she has expanded the Holter's Healing Arts program and partnered with Ft. Harrison VA Medical Center to be of service to veterans, their caregivers, and active military members.  Through MidAmerica Arts Alliance, the National Endowment of the Arts, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of MT grants, the Holter has launched a new veteran arts education program called Courage to Create. Working with veterans is close to her heart as both of her parents served a combined 57 years in the Air Force.  

     

    April Floyd | Idaho State Veterans Home

    This is an image of panelist, April Floyd.

    April Floyd is the Activities Director for the Idaho State Veterans Home and has been in elderly care for over 30 years. She has worked in many positions including nursing care, admissions, staffing, and Assisted Living Administrator. April also has done several trainings on dementia care and compassion care as well as assisting with the IHCA Activity Director class. April has over 17 years' experience in Activities and Activity Development. and has been at the Idaho State Veterans Home for the past 7 years working with veterans, volunteers, and veterans’ community groups.

     

    Liz Slot | Great Falls, MT

    This is an image of panelist, Liz Slot.

    Liz Slot, Education Director at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls, works with artist teachers and coordinates a robust studio art education course list for the museum’s education department which includes painting, ceramics, drawing, watercolor, collage and more. She manages the museum's Love for the Arts free art education programs: Veteran Arts Program, Curative Art Collective, Senior Art, 3rd Grade Tours, and Art for Adults with Disabilities — a partnership with Easterseals Goodwill of Great Falls. Currently, she is launching a new free program titled “Be Your Own Curator” geared towards middle school children. Among the many roles she plays as Education Director, she also works in partnership with the Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs to build the museum's new Docent Training Program. Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Art Education from Kendall College of Art and Design.